also father's day is a day i'd also be sure to make a day with my kids(i'll take EVERY excuse to have have them with me) rather than fighting.

You're describing Family Day. Some European cultures, such as that of my Latvian parents, did not have an individual component for either the father or mother.

I remember asking my mother (lives in NY) "Mom, what would you like us to help you with on Mother's Day." Surely. When my kids ask me that question for Father's, I'd like to say that I would like them to help me go to the Gathering as that is one thing that I had to give up for a while specifically because the birth of my two children made traveling to that event difficult.

Im flexible and the later the better for me, I can get rid of my gut and get my ducks in a row with more time.... With that being said, my only real concern is that those that come to the private gathering also have ample time to recover in order to support the public gathering that will be right around the corner. (unless that date is pushed back also).

To me, its all about maximum participation and good health of the tribe.

I will adjust and be there whenever it ends up being.

Woof,KD

PS.

Im really looking forward to a fight with Baltic Dog and know better than to go into that fight without being 110%... More time will allow me more time...

Anyday after I receive my Tax refund (ie mid Feb or later) that works for the majority.

I also believe in giving the UK Brothers the right of way on this, as long as those that commit will be there. I would not expect them to adjust the UK Gathering for me. God knows I would have to fall into a crap load of $$ to make that one. Due to logistics at this present time for me, "Semper Gumby"

(*to clarify, those from the UK in the past have always kept their word. Nothing negative intended by the above. I just know that it is hard to come up with the funds and schedule to make a journey of that magnitude. That also goes for those comming from out of state in this economy.)

To piggyback off of Kaju Dog, some of us might not be traveling from across the pond but we are traveling a long way (Ohio for me). So the trip is not an easy drive or just a weekend trip like some of you might have. So if there is any way the dates can be made in May that would be great for myself and C-Howling Dog.

Correct, May 1st and 2nd are out for me. I am a Special Olympic Area Director for Special Olympics Ohio and that weekend is our largest athletic event of the year. As the Director I can't miss that event, anytime after that though, I am all for stickhickeys in the dirt

April 24-25 works fine for the Team Sled in Vancouver - we are looking to field 3-5 fighters

After the first outing of mae sowks at the August 2009 DB camp in Toronto, I am looking forward to another opportunity to put them (and me and any dance partners) to the test. My forearm sprain (from before the camp) seems to be fully recovered so everything else is possible too.

Surely. When my kids ask me that question for Father's, I'd like to say that I would like them to help me go to the Gathering as that is one thing that I had to give up for a while specifically because the birth of my two children made traveling to that event difficult.

Hard to say if I'll be back for spring or fall 2010. My daughter is three months old, and my two year-old son is a bezerker. I'll get back to the Gathering when my family can travel to LA, and my wife is able to manage both kids on the road.-- Gints

For those who didn't attend the last Tribal Gathering, could someone elaborate on the format of the event?

Trickydog,

The fighting is pretty much exactly the same format as with a public gathering, except there is no audience besides family. I don't remember if we skipped knife fights last year. The first day, we start in the morning, take a lunch break, and then fight again in the afternoon. Sunday is more of the same, but we don't break for lunch; it's one session and then we close. In the past, Kaju Dog has done some nice informal presentations on emergency medicine after the second day of fighting.

The event has usually taken place in Temecula, CA which is about 60 miles north of San Diego County, instead of of the usual Los Angeles County location.

GD

Trickydog, may I request a mae sowks (you) vs. siniwali (me) fight on Day 2? My blood pressure just shot up as I typed that, but I would enjoy the opportunity!

I would love to get out there and I'll try my best. It'll be my 1st time @ any DB function. Been having too much going on in my life lately... Becoming a single man, moving to Fort Stewart, Georgia in a couple of weeks, and getting ready for my next deployment. I'll eat ramen noodles for a month and save some money